⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Five Stars)

The recent trend for bold, star-led revivals of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals is on to another winner with Tim Sheader’s Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium. Previously staged at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2016, Sheader’s revival was the fastest selling pre-sale in London Palladium history and had announced a transfer to Theatre Royal Drury Lane following its Palladium run before even starting preview performances. It’s fair to say that audience expectations are high for this show: and they won’t be disappointed.

Lloyd Webber’s sung-through rock opera, originally conceived as a concept album in 1970, tells the story of Jesus’ (Sam Ryder) betrayal by Judas (Tyrone Huntley), resulting in his crucifixion. However, rather than painting Judas as a straight-forward villain or simply greedy for the rewards of handing Jesus in, the show explores his motivations and fears over Jesus’ growing power and influence.

Ryder is excellent in the central role of Jesus, bringing exceptional vocals - which earned a deserved mid-show standing ovation at the performance I attended - as well as strong stage presence in his West End debut. He’s surrounded by an equally strong cast, including Huntley as Judas, who spends much of the show haunted by his choices, and Desmonda Cathabel as Mary Magdalene, who delivers a beautiful rendition of I Don’t Know How To Love Him. However, it's the ensemble who truly steal the show in this production. Dancing Drew McOnie’s energetic and cult-like choreography, they transform from devoted fanatics to an angry mob over the course of the musical, and it’s the ensemble dance numbers where this Jesus Christ Superstar is most electric and thrilling.

Sheader makes a number of bold choices in this production. Chief among these is having all the principal characters sing using hand-held microphones throughout the entire show, with microphones and their wires also used symbolically as props. This choice is most effective during intense musical confrontations between characters, and leans into the show’s original positioning of Jesus being a Beatles-esque rock-god to his followers. However, it can cause some barriers to the performers’ emoting capacity, especially during the more emotional or tender numbers.

Tom Scutt’s set design sees an enormous metal cross lying on the stage throughout the majority of the show, foreshadowing Jesus’ fate. Paired with Lee Curran’s lighting design, it makes for striking visual design. Several structures made of scaffolding surround the central playing space, housing both the 19-piece orchestra and audience members who have purchased on-stage standing tickets. Having audience members on-stage works well to support the idea of Jesus’ widespread fame. It would have been more effective, though, to see those spectators encouraged to cheer and get involved in the crowd moments, although this is likely down to the reservedness of British audience members rather than a reflection of the production itself.

Overall, Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium stays true to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s original concept and music, while also incorporating some effective stylised choices of its own. Sam Ryder is no doubt a draw for many audience members and proves to be excellent casting in the role. If you love the music of Jesus Christ Superstar, this production is definitely not one to be missed.

Jesus Christ Superstar runs at London Palladium until 5th September 2026 before transferring to Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where it will run from 16th October 2026 - 9th January 2027.

Tickets For The London Palladium Run Available Here

Tickets For The Theatre Royal Drury Lane Run Available Here